House prosecutor and Bicol Saro Rep. Terry Ridon and private prosecutor Benjamin Tolosa Jr. told the Impeachment Court that their public statements about Vice President Sara Duterte’s impeachment trial were made in good faith to update the public about the processes and progress of the case.
Their comments did not prejudge the case and were not intended to influence the senator-judges, they said.
They made the statements after the Impeachment Court issued a show cause order asking them to explain why they should not be cited for violating the sub judice rule.
Ridon said his public statements were part of his duties as a member of the House prosecution team and in line with the prosecution’s commitment to keep the public informed about the status and progress of the case.
“Rep. Ridon respectfully submits that his statements were made in good faith and without any intention to interfere with, influence, or prejudge the proceedings,” he said in his response.
He said he understands the distinction between reporting what transpired and explaining the developments, and commenting on matters that are for the court to resolve.
When he discussed the presentation of evidence, future witnesses, matters for further examination, this was done to explain the progress and process of the prosecution to the public, he said.
For his part, Tolosa said his statements in question dealt with procedural matters not covered by the sub judice rule or covered matters already placed on public record.
He also said some of his statements cited by the court did not reflect the full context.
He said there was no willful attempt to obstruct, influence, or interfere with the proceedings.
He had also qualified his answers in recognition of the court’s exclusive authority to assess the evidence and resolve the issues, he added.